Abstract

Background

Given that relatively little is known about the development of resilience in early
childhood, this longitudinal study aimed to identify preschool resource factors associated
with young children’s mental health resilience to family adversity.

Methods

A community sample of 474 young Australian children was assessed in preschool (mean
age 4.59 years, 49% male), and again two years later after their transition into formal
schooling. At each assessment, standard questionnaires were used to obtain ratings
from both parents and teachers about the quality of children’s relationships with
parents and teachers, children’s self-concept and self-control, mental health (Strengths
and Difficulties Questionnaire), and family adversities (including stressful life
events and socioeconomic disadvantage).

Results

Greater exposure to cumulative family adversities was associated with both greater
teacher- and parent-reported child mental health difficulties two years later. Multiple
methodologies for operationalizing resilience were used to identify resources associated
with resilient mental health outcomes. Higher quality child–parent and child-teacher
relationships, and greater child self-concept and self-control were associated with
resilient mental health outcomes. With the exception of child-teacher relationships,
these resources were also prospective antecedents of subsequent resilient mental health
outcomes in children with no pre-existing mental health difficulties. Child–parent
relationships and child self-concept generally had promotive effects, being equally
beneficial for children facing both low- and high-adversity. Child self-control demonstrated
a small protective effect on teacher-reported outcomes, with greater self-control
conferring greater protection to children under conditions of high-adversity.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that early intervention and prevention strategies that focus on fostering
child-adult relationship quality, self-concept, and self-control in young children
may help build children’s mental health and their resilience to family adversities.